Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pirates, Pyramids, Ahly and Sundowns in CAF Champions League semi-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pirates, Pyramids, Ahly and Sundowns in CAF Champions League semi-finals

The semi-final line-up for the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League has been finalized, featuring two Egyptian teams and two South African teams that advanced from the quarter-finals, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to this season’s tournament.

Historic Moment for Pyramids FC

Despite facing a scare in Morocco, losing 2-0 to the Royal Army, Pyramids FC, however, advanced with a 4-3 aggregate score, thanks to their strong first-leg victory in Cairo. This marks Pyramids’ first appearance in the semi-finals of the prestigious African competition.

They will now face Orlando Pirates in what promises to be a fiercely contested match between two ambitious clubs, both seeking their first continental title in over a decade.

Al Ahly Pursues 11th Title; Sundowns Await

Defending champions Al Ahly overcame Al Hilal of Sudan with consecutive 1-0 victories, extending their run of semi-final appearances to six. They will now take on Mamelodi Sundowns, who narrowly edged Esperance of Tunisia with a 1-0 aggregate score after a closely contested two-legged encounter.

CAF Champions League Semi-Final Schedule:

  • 1st Leg (April 18–19)
    • Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC
    • Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly
  • 2nd Leg (April 25–26)
    • Pyramids FC vs Orlando Pirates
    • Al Ahly vs Mamelodi Sundowns
U17 AFCON set for exciting quater-finals match up as host Morocco take on South Afrca
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Exciting U17 AFCON quater-finals match up as host Morocco take on South Africa

Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, host Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa are all set for intriguing U17 AFCON quarterfinals, kicking off with Burkina Faso vs. Zambia as host Morocco takes on South Africa today.

Burkina Face v Zambia

Group B winners Burkina Faso face runners-up Zambia in the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 quarter-final at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca on Thursday (kick-off 17:00 local time / 16:00 GMT).

This is their first meeting in the U17 AFCON finals, but Burkina Faso has never lost in six previous games against COSAFA nations (W5 D1). Their only non-win was a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in 1999. They have scored 16 goals and conceded just three in those matches, keeping four clean sheets.

Host Morocco take on South Africa

Additionally, hosts Morocco will have a challenging match against South Africa in the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on Thursday, with a kick-off time of 20:00 local (19:00 GMT).

Morocco, the winners of Group A, finished their group undefeated with two wins and a draw. South Africa secured second place in Group B, with one win, one draw, and one loss.

This marks the second meeting between Morocco and South Africa at the TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON. In their previous encounter at the finals, Morocco won 2-0 during their first group game in the 2023 edition.

Notably, current Morocco U17 coach Nabil Baha was an unused substitute during a 1-1 draw between Morocco and South Africa at the group stages of the 2004 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals, which allowed Morocco to progress while South Africa was eliminated.

West African Derby – Ivory Coast v Senegal

In another quarter-final clash, West African rivals Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal will meet for the first time in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025. This match will kick off at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) on Friday.

Côte d’Ivoire has scored the most goals in the tournament (10) and will take on Senegal, who boasts the joint-best defense. Both teams are unbeaten in the tournament, with Côte d’Ivoire winning Group D and Senegal finishing as runners-up in Group C.

Côte d’Ivoire is facing a defending champion for the second time, with their previous encounter being against Gambia in 2011, which they won 4-1 in the group stages.

Tunisia v Mali at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida on Friday

Tunisia will face Mali in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. The match will take place at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida on Friday, with a kick-off time of 20:00 local (19:00 GMT).

The two teams have only met once before in the continental competition, during the group stages in 1999, where Mali emerged victorious with a score of 2-0. Tunisia’s record against West African opponents at these finals stands at 8 matches played, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses. Their victories include a 3-0 win over Togo in the group stages of 2007 and a 2-1 win against Gambia in the current tournament.

Tunisia has also faced challenges in the semi-finals, losing to Nigeria twice, in 2007 and 2013. Additionally, they were defeated by Ghana in the 1997 group stages and in the play-off for third place in 2007. Tunisia lost to Mali during the 1995 group stages and recently drew 0-0 with Senegal in the ongoing competition.

On the other hand, this match against Tunisia will be Mali’s fifth encounter with North African opponents. Their previous record against North African teams shows 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Mali defeated Tunisia 2-0 in the 1995 group stages and drew 0-0 with Egypt during the 1997 group phase, later losing to Egypt 1-0 in the final that same year. In 2023, they faced Morocco in the semi-finals and lost in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw.

Kenya's Salim Babu names Cup of Nations U20 provisional squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya’s Salim Babu names U20 Cup of Nations provisional squad

Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has announced a provisional squad of 35 players for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to begin on April 27, 2025, in Egypt.

The Rising Stars are placed in Group C, where they will compete against defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone as they aim to make a significant impact on the continental stage.

Kenya earned its spot in this tournament after finishing as runners-up in the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers, narrowly losing to Tanzania in the final.

Babu’s squad selection comes after a series of training camps designed to scout top young talent from across the country. The final list includes a mix of local and foreign-based players, featuring several key returnees from the CECAFA Qualifiers. Notable players include captain Amos Wanjala, Manzur Okwaro, Baron Ochieng, Aldrine Kibet, Tyron Kariuki, Kelly Madada, and Andreas Odhiambo.

Kenya will begin its campaign in Group C against Sierra Leone on May 1, followed by matches against Zambia on May 4, and concluding the group stage against Senegal on May 7.

The team has entered a residential training camp in Nairobi, with friendly matches scheduled to prepare for the tournament. Kenya will be aiming to make a strong impression in Egypt as they seek to advance past the group stage and challenge for continental glory.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Benard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wycliford Oduor (Bidco United), Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United)

Defenders

Manzur Okwaro (KCB), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Jackson Sane (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Torrellano), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars), Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars)

Midfielders

Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Stanley Wilson (AIK – Sweden), Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient – England), Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars), Irad Mshindi (KCB), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic – Spain), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Ezekiel Omuri (Shabana), Tyron Kariuki (KCB), William Gitamu (Bandari), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Elly Owande (Al Nasr – UAE), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College – Leicester, England)

Forwards

Lawrence Ouma (MOFA), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Henry Omollo (Kakamega Homeboyz), Luis Ingavi (Saginaw Valley State – USA)

Egypt's Pyramids historic moment in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Pyramids historic moment in CAF Champions League

Pyramids made history by reaching their first-ever CAF Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night, despite losing 2-0 in the second leg to Morocco’s FAR Rabat. They advanced 4-3 on aggregate after winning 4-1 in Cairo last week, which gave them a key advantage.

In the second leg at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, FAR Rabat started strong. Youssef El-Fahli scored in the seventh minute, boosting hopes for a comeback. With the crowd behind them, they pushed hard to close the gap.

Pyramids quickly responded; Mohamed Hamdy had a chance to score in the 12th minute with a powerful header, but goalkeeper Hamza Hayani made a great save. Despite the pressure from FAR Rabat, Pyramids kept their cool, with veteran goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy making crucial saves to maintain their aggregate lead in the first half.

In the second half, FAR Rabat continued to push. El-Fahli missed a big chance early on, and El-Shenawy made two important saves to keep Pyramids ahead. The second goal for FAR Rabat came in the 82nd minute from substitute Joel Villa, creating a tense finish.

FAR Rabat nearly scored again in the 93rd minute when Zahzouh’s free-kick just missed. Pyramids held on through five minutes of added time, showing determination to protect their aggregate lead and secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Now, Pyramids FC will watch the other quarter-final between Orlando Pirates and MC Alger. Pirates lead 1-0 going into the second leg on Wednesday. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Pyramids FC, which has quickly grown in Egyptian football and now stands among the continent’s top clubs, aiming for continental success.

CAF Champions wrap-up: Al Ahly set for Semi-Finals Against Sundowns
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Champions League: Al Ahly set for Semi-Finals Against Sundowns

Al Ahly has reached the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after beating Al Hilal 1-0 in the second leg at Sheikh Bedia Stadium in Mauritania on Tuesday giving them a 2-0 victory overall.

Midfielder Imam Ashour scored the crucial goal in the 80th minute. Al Ahly now focuses on their semi-final match with Mamelodi Sundowns, who won against Esperance de Tunis in their quarter-final.

The rivalry between these two teams has grown in recent years, and this match is expected to draw a lot of attention.

This win marks Al Ahly’s 21st appearance in the Champions League semi-finals and their sixth straight time in this round. They will face Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa in the next match, which is highly anticipated.

Cautious First Half in Mauritania

Both teams started carefully, trying to control the midfield. Al Ahly, led by Swiss coach Marcel Koller, showed more energy early on. Slovenian forward Nijk Gradishar almost scored in the 9th minute with a powerful shot that forced a great save from Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, Issa Fofana.

Imam Ashour, important in the first leg, briefly worried fans after a tough challenge but bounced back and remained active. In the 34th minute, Al Ahly had a good chance when a low cross just missed both Gradishar and Wissam Abu Ali. Ashour tried to score with a strong shot from outside the box. Just before half-time, Al Hilal made a dangerous low cross into the box, but Al Ahly cleared it.

Ashour Scores Late to Secure the Win

In the second half, Al Hilal pushed harder to score. Their best chance came in the 64th minute when winger Ahmed Salem found himself one-on-one with Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy but failed to score. Al Ahly held on and scored the winning goal ten minutes before the end. Substitute Taher Mohamed Taher sent a well-placed ball into the box, and Ashour finished it off with skill.

Despite Al Hilal pushing in the final minutes and eight minutes added for stoppage time, Al Ahly kept their lead. Ahmed Reda nearly scored again in injury time, but Fofana made a quick save to keep the score from increasing.